Dear Eric was my hero. When friends think of Eric many of the same sentiments come up again and again. Eric inspired; Eric was a leader; Eric was gentle, generous, caring always trying to bring comfort to others (the "folkdoctor"), deflecting attention from his own physical pain. Eric was a model of loving life and living each day to the fullest, perhaps living in the now as some say. He played the hand this life dealt him with smiles as often as possible and goals, and dreams very many of which he fulfilled.

The last thing Eric said to me in the hospital was, "Don't worry, don't worry. I'm ready."

I loved hearing Eric on the 12 string guitar and banjo. Though in recent years, with severe arthritis in his fingers, Eric would tell me he was sort of faking it, Eric faking the banjo was pretty darn good! He was not only a performer but the musical director of the annual Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash and as such his musicality helped us all.

My heart goes out to Ellen as I know how very much in love Eric and Ellen were and how much happiness they brought one another.

As a mother, my heart knows no words strong enough to comfort Joan and Norman Levine. Over time you will get to hear more and more stories of how many lives were touched by your exceptional son.

Eric, I miss you very, very much.
Jessica